Kolkata Doctor’s Rape and Murder Shows How We Fail Women — Yet Again

Protests against the incident point to the chasm between intent and outcome when it comes to women’s safety.

Tragic Incidents Highlighting Failures in Women’s Safety

• Kolkata Case: A 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College found dead. Body showed signs of grievous sexual assault.
• Historical Case: Aruna Shanbaug, assaulted in November 1973 at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital.
  • Lived in a vegetative state for 41 years after the assault.

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Systemic Issues in Women’s Safety

• Non-functional CCTV cameras.
• Lack of on-call rooms with washrooms.
• Poorly lit areas avoided by female staff after dark.
• Inadequate security measures.

Policy and Implementation Failures

• Post-2012 December 16 Gangrape: Promises largely reduced to lip service.
  • Nirbhaya Fund increased by 100% for 2024-25.
  • Less than half of the allocated funds utilized between 2013 and 2022.
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, Redressal) Act, 2013: Implementation has been half-hearted.
  • Supreme Court criticism in May 2023 for failure to ensure a safe workplace.

Need for Broader Introspection

• Institutional Responsibility: RG Kar Medical College’s need to address responsibilities towards students and staff.
• Fundamental Problems: Gap between intent and outcome in addressing women’s safety. Clamour for capital punishment or “encounter” justice reflects a reliance on instant justice.
• Path Forward: Emphasis on making good on promises of empowerment and equality. Commitment to the due course of justice as the lesson to be learned.

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Conclusion

Addressing systemic failures and bridging gaps in women’s safety can lead to meaningful change. By enforcing policies and ensuring accountability, we can build a safer, equitable future.

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